The document discusses using self-determination theory to motivate self-directed learners. Self-determination theory proposes that the three innate psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness must be satisfied to promote motivation. The document outlines strategies for teachers to support these needs in learners, including allowing choice in goals, assessments, and learning pathways; providing achievable challenges and feedback; and fostering community and connection among learners.

1. Using Self-Determination Theory
to Fuel Up Self-Driving Learners
Valary Oleinik
valary@valarywithawhy.com
@valarywithawhy (Twitter or FB)

2. …
And more

3. What are you hoping to get out of
today’s session; what is your goal?
What are you going to do to have the
best learning experience today?

5. Graduate
8AF
(After Facebook)
Undergraduate
3BI
(Before Internet)

7. VALARY with a WHY

9. … identify their own next actions to explore
deeper into the subject matter and/or have
a greater understanding of how to be
successful in their next learning endeavor

12. SELF-DETERMINATION
THEORY

13. Deci and Ryan study intrinsic
versus extrinsic motivation1970s

14. INTRINSIC EXTRINSIC

15. Self-Determination Theory gains
acceptance; three components
autonomy, competence, and
relatedness
1980s

16. The proper question is not, ‘how can
people motivate others?’ but rather, ‘how
can people create the conditions within
which others will motivate themselves?’”
Why We Do What We Do, Edward Deci
“

17. Re-emerges as fields like gamification
and positive psychology incorporate it2000s

18. AUTONOMY COMPETENCE RELATEDNESS

19. AUTONOMY

20. Task
Time
Technique
Team

21. Set your own goals
and choose your own
adventure

22. If you don’t know where you are going,
you’ll end up someplace else.”
Yogi Berra
“

24. Choose how they show
evidence of their
learning

26. Low risk assessments
and safe failure

27. 80%

28. Purpose begets motivation.”
Paul Jun
“

29. COMPETENCE

30. Challenge but don’t
overwhelm

31. Mt. Washington Auto Road, Pinkham Notch, N.H.(photo by Joe Gill, Boston Sports Then and Now)

32. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: Flow Theory

33. Map out clear pathways

35. ... the best way to motivate people ... is
by facilitating progress – even small
wins.”
Teresa Amabile
“

36. Calls to action & self-
monitoring

38. Module 1 
Module 2 
Module 3 
Module 4 
Module 5 

39. RELATEDNESS

40. Community organizer

42. Character presence

44. Personal learning networks

45. Be mindful of time, stay on
course and may the force be
with you!
Stop into the café [Group
Discussion] often. You’ll be
surprised to see how
opinions change during the
flight as information is
processed. It’s amazing.Y.O.G.O.W.Y.P.I. which means,
You Only Get Out What You Put
In. This is terrific news for
anyone who invests time and
effort here. You’ll get a lot out of
the course.
Postcards
from Space

46. AUTONOMY COMPETENCE RELATEDNESS

48. Using Self-Determination Theory
to Fuel Up Self-Driving Learners
Valary Oleinik
valary@valarywithawhy.com
@valarywithawhy (Twitter or FB)